Marie Dykes Turner Moshell

April 25, 1954 – July 31, 2018

Columbus, Georgia

Marie Turner Moshell, 64, of Columbus, Georgia, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at her home.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 3, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. EDT at St. Luke United Methodist Church with the Reverend Robert Beckum officiating. A private interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery.

Marie was born on April 25, 1954, in Columbus, Georgia, the daughter of William “Bill” Bradley Turner and Sue Marie Thompson Turner. She was the granddaughter of Don Abbott Turner and Elizabeth Bradley Turner and Dr. John Barkwell Thompson and Mildred Marie Dykes Thompson.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, her husband William Marcus Moshell and her brother Don Abbott Turner II. Marie’s deep love and pride in her large and extended family was the catalyst for the many hours she happily spent tracing the family’s genealogy, becoming the unofficial family historian.

Marie was educated in Columbus schools, graduated from Columbus High School, and earned an Associate Degree in Recreation from Columbus College. Joining St. Luke United Methodist Church at the age of nine, Marie’s life was deeply grounded in her faith, which was unshakeable regardless of the challenges life sent her way. She was at her strongest when challenged, remaining positive and courageous until her final days.

Following in the footsteps of her parents, Marie spent her life committed to serving others and was a champion for those in need. She served on the Administrative Board of St. Luke United Methodist Church and on the Board of Trustees of St. Luke School. Marie also served on the LaGrange College Board of Trustees for 12 years where she was recognized as an Honorary Alumnus and helped endow the Moshell Learning Center in its library, named in memory of her late husband. She passionately served on the Board of Directors of the Pastoral Institute for more than 25 years. She served in multiple capacities at the Pastoral Institute including Chairman of the Board, Secretary, and Chair of Development. As Chair of Development, Marie worked diligently on the successful capital campaign that funded its new campus. She was Chairman during a pivotal time when the Pastoral Institute transitioned to new leadership. Through her guidance, she ensured that the mission of caring for the emotional, relational, and spiritual needs of people would continue. In recognition of her dedication and service, the Pastoral Institute established the “Marie Moshell Therapeutic and Family Care Fund.”

She was an adoring “ReRe” to her eight grandchildren and the biggest cheerleader to her four children. A fiercely supportive and devoted mother and grandmother, she joyously attended hundreds of ball games, dance recitals, shooting competitions, gymnastic meets and countless school events. An extremely generous and creative person, Marie delighted in making very beautiful and special handmade gifts for friends and family. Her beautiful hand-crocheted baby blankets are a prized possession of each of her grandchildren and her many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Marie had a great sense of humor and was grateful for the wonderful life in which she was so richly blessed. She loved Georgia Tech football and her “happy place” at Ponte Vedra Beach. Marie loved spending time with her friends in The Bridge Club. This tight-knit group had countless hours of fun together and occasionally played a little bridge.

Marie was committed to shepherding her children and grandchildren to know the difference between right and wrong. Her moral compass was clear, and she was focused on raising a loving family and blessing others. This phenomenally talented wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and loyal friend dedicated her life to her faith, family, and our community.

Marie is survived by her children William Turner Moshell II (Michele) of Columbus; Lane Moshell Riley (Chandler) of Columbus; Sue Marie Moshell Waddell (Bradley) of Columbus; and Jason Campbell Kaup of Columbus. She is also survived by her grandchildren Lily Turner Moshell; Matilda “Tilly” Hall Waddell; Cora Bridges Riley; Marie Rose “Rosie” Riley; Lucy Jewel Moshell; Eliza Pierce Waddell; Chandler Williams Riley, Jr.; and Bradley Allen Waddell III; siblings Donna Turner Brown (David) of Atlanta; William Bradley “Brad” Turner, Jr. (Sally) of Columbus; John Thompson Turner (Amandah) of Columbus; Sarah “Sallie” Turner Martin (John); and sister-in-law Cathey Seguin Turner of Columbus; and 18 nieces and nephews and 20 great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family is grateful to her caregivers for the loving, compassionate care that they gave Marie. Special thanks to Eula Davis, Earlene Williams, Bobby and Shasta Tripp, Dr. Ron Hudson and to the staff of Columbus Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations may be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1104 2nd Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, 31901 or the Pastoral Institute, 2022 15th Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, 31901.